Heartbreak and vigilance in region’s places of worship
NORWALK — Chills and then numbness.
That was what Aamir Kadri described feeling after hearing the news out of New Zealand that at least 49 people were killed at two mosques in the country in a terrorist attack.
“Regardless of what’s happening and what’s going on and so far, you unfortunately become numb because this has become normal place and commonplace,” said Kadri, a board member at the Al-Madany Islamic Center in Norwalk.
The attacks in New Zealand spurred many into action in Norwalk and Stamford, thousands of miles away from where they were committed.
“We had sent out a message —
everyone be cognizant, try to be extra vigilant,” Kadri said, adding they encouraged members to walk in groups to Friday prayer services. “You never know. It’s unfortunate to say that, you honestly never know.”
To try to make sure the community felt as safe as possible, Mayor Harry Rilling said in a statement that the Norwalk Police Department would have an increased presence around the Islamic Center and other places of worship throughout the city on Friday.
“I spoke with the imam of the Al-Madany Islamic Center this morning to reassure him that Norwalk is a city that welcomes all people and beliefs,” Rilling said.
The situation was similar in Stamford, where police stepped up security at the city’s mosques.
“We stand with the Muslim community in Stamford and are actively communicating with the leaders of all the mosques here in Stamford,” wrote Stamford Police Capt. Diedrich Hohn in a Facebook post. “We have added security at Stamford’s mosques and increased patrols at all of Stamford’s houses of worship.”
Stamford Police Capt. Richard Conklin said police are in touch with Muslim community leaders, and although there were no threats, police added patrols to gathering places.
“We’re in touch with a number of those locations and want to re-assure them and let them know we have their safety in mind,” he said.
Maher Hussein, president of the board of the Islamic Cultural Center on Washington Boulevard, said attendance for the Friday service at the Stamford mosque was much less than usual.
Instead of the typical 300 congregants, he said only about 200 showed up.
“Families are scared,” said Hussein, who added that the shooting in New Zealand “shocked” him and brought him to tears. “A lot of people stayed home.”
Hussein said this isn’t the first time the mosque has asked for extra protection. He requested extra security around the time President Donald Trump issued an executive order banning the entry of immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries.
On Friday, Muslims across the state said they were mourning the loss of the innocent lives taken.
“The senseless murder of men, women, and children gathered for Friday worship prayer services ( Jumu’ah Prayer) in New Zealand leaves us here in the States without words,” Tark Aoua- di, executive director of the Connecticut Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said in a statement. “Our hearts and prayers are with those grieving families. This atrocity stands as a strong reminder that we must stand vigilant against hate and bigotry in all its forms.”
Rilling said that he was “heartbroken” over the attacks.
“I woke up this morning heartbroken to the news of the horrific terror attack in New Zealand,” the Norwalk mayor said. “No one should be unsafe or feel intimidated because of their religion. Violence, hatred, and intolerance have no place in the world. I offer my condolences to the victims, their families, and to all of the people of New Zealand.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations also called for national action to “push back against growing Islamophobia, white supremacy and anti-immigrant bigotry in America and around the world.”
Leaders from the Jewish community of Upper Fairfield County sent a letter to their Muslim sisters and brothers, offering unity and compassion.
“Our Jewish community stands with all peace-loving people, regardless of by what name — if any — they call our common creator. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for any reason, knowing that we are always by your side,” the letter read. It was signed by over 20 Jewish leaders, including Rabbi Ita Paskind of Congregation Beth ElNorwalk and Rabbi Yeshoshua Hecht of Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk.
The Cornerstone Community Church in Norwalk offered its “hearts and thoughts” for the people of New Zealand and all mosques throughout the world.
The nonpartisan volunteer group, “Love All Project - Norwalk,” also offered its support for the Muslim community on Facebook.
“Our hearts are with Christchurch and our entire Muslim community. We love and support you,” the statement read.
In Norwalk, Kadri said that the mosque would be hosting a special burial service for the deceased after their Friday afternoon worship prayer services. He called on members of all faiths and backgrounds to communicate with each other to break the hatred and intolerance.
“Just talk to people, interact communicate — a lot of ignorance is the fear of the unknown,” Kadri said. “Our mosque at Norwalk is open to everyone.”